Countries: Rwanda
Destinations: Kigali , Volcanoes National Park
Group Size: 2
Duration (days): 4
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children: 0
Trekking Mountain Gorillas is a bucket list holiday for many. Below is a very brief safari, which makes a great extension to a Kenya or Tanzania trip.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kigali | Kigali Serena Hotel |
| 2 | Volcanoes National Park | Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel |
| 3 | Volcanoes National Park | Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel |
| 4 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Kigali
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the Kigali Serena Hotel to spend 1 night on a bed and breakfast basis.
Rwanda - "The Land of a Thousand Hills." Combining the staggering scenery of this beautiful country with the wonderful people who call it home makes Rwanda a magical destination.
Although Rwanda's tragic history is widely known, and the country makes no effort to hide it, the country has been pulling its way back strongly into the tourism market, thanks largely to the lovely locals, astonishing scenery, and the majestic mountain gorillas which live along the slopes of the volcanoes.
With the location of the Volcanoes National Park being so close to Kigali, Rwanda is the perfect add-on to any safari itinerary in Africa, in order to complete your holiday with an exciting gorilla trek.
Travelling to Rwanda you will be blown away by the distance the country has moved in the 18 years since 1994, and are hugely excited about promoting Rwanda as more than just a gorilla trekking destination.
Ideally positioned in the centre of Rwanda, Kigali extends across several hills and valleys, with good road links to the rest of the country. The verdant capital city is pleasantly low key yet dynamic and progressive, with just over one million inhabitants.
First-time visitors to the bustling and colourful centre often remark how clean the streets are, a matter of pride across every community throughout the country.
Kigali is a relatively new city. It was founded as an administrative outpost in 1907, and became the capital of the country at independence in 1962, shifting focus away from Huye.
The city’s wide tree-lined boulevards and immaculate squares are safe to stroll, where outsiders are generally left to their own devices unless they need assistance, in which case they will be greeted with warm hospitality.
There is a burgeoning art scene, as well as a growing number of options to dine out and have a few drinks, many with charming panoramic views. The Kigali Cultural Village offers a dedicated space for local artisans and food vendors to exhibit and trade their goods.
Kigali is developing rapidly, with new shopping malls, office buildings and a world-class convention centre built in the style of the King’s Palace of olden days, which lights up the night sky atop of one of the many hills.
The central business district covers Nyarugenge Hill while the government and administrative quarter is further east on Kacyiru Hill.
Nyarutarama Lake, or Lover’s Lake, borders an 18-hole golf course in one of the main valleys. The track around the lake is remarkably peaceful and makes for an excellent urban nature walk, with the chance to see some of Rwanda’s incredible birds.
No visit to Rwanda would be complete without a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which, through education and peace-building, honours the memory of the more than one million Rwandans killed in 1994. The three permanent exhibitions and burial gardens form part of a meaningful tribute to those who perished, and provide a powerful educational tool for visitors.
On an enchanting boulevard in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda, in a secure location just a five-minute walk from the CBD, lies Kigali Serena Hotel. A distinctively rich blend of Rwandan heritage, art and culture with contemporary 5-star comfort in 148 sophisticated rooms and suites, Serena Kigali hotel provides a private and peaceful retreat like no other for discerning international diplomats and executives.
Enjoy a host of leisure amenities. Lose yourself in the tranquillity of our tropically landscaped pool. Indulge with a Mayan-inspired hot stone massage or a nature-based body wrap at Maisha Mind Body & Spirit Spa. Allow our restaurants to take you on a culinary journey, treating you to everything from expertly crafted Rwandese delicacies to enticing flavours from around the globe.
Kigali Serena Hotel is the city’s most exclusive private retreat for hosting signature social and business occasions of all manner and size with a state-of-the-art conference centre, a 500-seat auditorium and magnificent ballroom.
Discover a hotel renowned for going above and beyond to exceed all expectations and establish its reputation as one of the best hotels in Rwanda. Our unique sense of place, landscaped gardens and exquisite health spa and swimming pool set a serene backdrop for a truly extraordinary experience.
Day 2 : Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Kigali and visit the Genocide Museum. Enjoy lunch in Kigali before driving to Musanze, the gateway town to the Volcanoes National Park where the gorillas live. Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel for 2 nights on a full board basis.
“In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat, are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas".
That description of the location, given by the primatologist Dian Fossey, explains what to look forward to when planning a visit to the Volcanoes National Park.
Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range - home of the rare mountain gorilla - and the rich mosaic of montane eco-systems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
Our Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel in Musanze (Ruhengeri) located on the road going to Kinigi is the perfect starting point to go for different activities that the Volcanoes National Park is offering but also gives you lot of opportunities to rest and to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of our lodge.
8 Deluxe bedrooms (double/twin), a Family Suite, and the Volcano Manor, a restaurant, a pool, and a beautiful garden are awaiting your visit and our staff is looking forward to making your stay a pleasant one.
Day 3 : Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking - Volcanoes National Park
Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare and exhilarating wildlife encounter that is hard to capture in words. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes.
Please note that gorilla trekking can be strenuous, with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in often hot conditions. We do recommend hiring a local porter to assist you on your trek. Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.
Once you have located a gorilla family, spend an hour quietly observing them. The time passes so quickly; be sure to enjoy this experience fully and not just through your camera lens.